Are you a photographer because of passion? Why do you take pictures? Why do you call yourself a photographer? Why do you take time out of your life to pick up a camera and capture it on film or digital media?
Passion
Whether you’re a portrait, landscape, HDR, product or event photographer there is one thing in common that every photographer has. At least, should have. Passion for the art.
While in Red Bank recently, walking around with Melissa, I brought only a Nikon D700 and 35mm DX lens. I did this because of passion. To challenge myself so I capture things I normally don’t. I did that because it is fun to change things up and think more about what to photograph.
The Spot
Melissa and I were walking from a parking lot to the shops in Red Bank when we passed this antique store (closed) with an interesting window. Or what was covering the window. The wood was worn and chipped and had a dark paint spot on it. I had to capture it. As I got closer I could see that the spot covered graffiti that was painted on the wood. Either way it would have been an interesting photograph.
Patterns and Shapes
During our walk we passed a few buildings with a lot of reflecting windows. The sun was setting, so the reflections were perfect. One building had a random mannequin dressed as a bride pushed up against the glass. Unfortunately that is when I said to myself, “I only brought the 35mm”. Disappointed that my lens wouldn’t be able to capture it, I moved along to some other buildings.
Numbers
Every day we walk or drive by numbers. I am not a math person. Never have been and most likely never will be. I am a creative. Think about it. How often to you walk past apartment or retail store mailboxes that look just like this. A bit of framing and creativity can make an awesome photograph.
Side note: right next door was “My Ticket To Greatness”
Light
Photography is about light (and passion). See the light, feel the light, visualize the light. Then adjust your exposure to play with the light. During our walk from the shops to the restaurant the sun went down and the streetlights came on. We walked past a park that overlooks the water. I decided to capture these two lights because one was off. I adjusted the shutter speed so the bricks were almost black and the lights really shined. Oddly enough, in my first capture of this, the light on the left was off. Then it turned on for my second capture.
Closure
So why am I sharing these photographs with you? I know they’re not the best on the block (pun intended), but they were photographed with passion. They were not intended to sell, or for commercial work. They were intended to be creative and have fun with something I love… photography.
Thanks for reading and happy shooting,
Scott
Great article, Scott.
Thank you very much Chris
Scott, your post got me thinking about what it means to be a photographer. Am I a photographer because I sell photographs for a living? Is it because my stuff is shown in magazines and art galleries? Is it because my photos are used in newspaper? I’m none of those but I do consider myself a photographer. I’m passionate about capturing light.
I am glad that my article was useful for you!
My passion for photography is fueled by my acknowledgement that I want to continue to learn about usng natural light in my work. The more I experience, the more I want to try with shadows…
keep on learning!
I’ve been one that actually dismisses passion. I’ve said it a bunch of times on my website that passion for photography is weird. I keep asking why. Imagine a little kid asking you why over and over.
You: I’m passionate about photography
Child: Why?
You: Because I love photography
Child: Why?
You: It makes me feel good
Child: Why?
And on and on…
I get frustrated when I read that a photographer is passionate about photography. I honestly don’t know what that means. I think it needs to go much deeper than passion.
I think about photography all day, every day. Even when doing other work, photography is on my mind. I am constantly finding inspiration in daily life and trying to incorporate it into my work. Trying to help others learn and improve. That to me, is passion.